8/15/1995 - Special
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August 15, 1995
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Roanoke County Board of Supervisors
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive S. W.
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
August 15, 1995
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, met
this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center, this being an
adjourned meeting and a joint meeting with the Planning Commission to
discuss the visioning process.
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IN RE:
CALL TO ORDER
1. Board of SuÞervisors
Chairman Minnix called the meeting to order at 7: 01 p.m.
The Board of Supervisors roll call was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
. Chairman H. Odell "Fuzzy" Minnix, Vice Chairman
Edward G. KOhinke, Supervisors Lee B. Eddy, Bob L.
Johnson, Harry C. Nickens
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
2. Planninq Commission
Commission Chairman Kyle Robinson called the Planning
Commission to order and the roll call was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Martha Hooker, A. Kyle RObinson, William Todd
Ross, Al G. Thomason, Sr., and Donald R. Witt
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IN RE:
JOINT SESSION WITH PLANNING COMMISSION
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~ Introduction of the citizen steerinq Committee
Members (Dr. James Sears, Chairman, citizen steerinq Committee)
Dr. Sears reported that approximately 300 citizens
were involved in attending over 60 meetings to develop the vision
for Roanoke County in 2010.
Focus Groups were also established
to develop a vision for specific issues.
Dr. Sears introduced
the members of the Vision Process Steering Committee who were
present at the meeting.
h Overview of the Roanoke Countv Communi tv Vision
Process
Dr. Sears explained that the Community Vision Process was a
citizen-based strategic planning process which evaluates the past
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and present, and then envisions the future it wants, and plans
how to achieve it. The Vision Process helps a community better
understand the values of its citizens, identify the trends
affecting the community, and helps the community develop tools
and strategies to achieve its vision.
IN RE:
PRESENTATION OF THE FOCUS GROUP REPORTS
~ Government Relations
Al Thomason made the presentation and offered the
following vision statement:
In 2010, Roanoke County is one of a group of regional
independent counties and cities, that choose to practice - I
as an aggressive and proactive policy broad based,
regional collaboration and cooperation in: 1) meeting the
current day-to-day needs of the citizens of Roanoke county,
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and 2) preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the
future. In these cooperative efforts, Roanoke County
government leads the way, thereby ensuring the prosperity
and happiness of the citizens of Roanoke county.
~ Resource Preservation
Bob Egbert made the presentation and offered the
following vision statement:
In 2010, Roanoke County has incorporated principles of
sustainabili ty into County ordinances. These principles
will maximize energy efficiency and minimize waste and
pollution. To assist with this effort, the County has
adopted and enacted local interpretations of the
recommendations of the "Blueprint for sustainable
Development of Virginia", while bolstering industry through
a variety of incentives to adhere to these standards.
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In 2010, Roanoke County continues to support the educational
efforts of Explore Park and includes environmental education
in the public school curriculum.
In 2010, Roanoke County has enacted ordinances and programs
to preserve the integrity of the surrounding mountains and
open space. These include mountainside, ridgeline and
natural resource protection.
In 2010, Roanoke County has identified the areas diverse
flora and faunal resources by means of a comprehensive
survey and makes use of this information in designating
si tes to be protected as preserves, parks, greenways and
other natural corridors connecting critical habitats.
In 2010, Roanoke County has established tax incentives to
encourage landowners to dedicate their mountain land to
scenic and conservation easements. This has been
supplemented by purchases of land by a Natural and Scenic
Resources Foundation - a local land trust.
In 2010, Roanoke County has participated in a regional
effort to identify, and protect, visual viewsheds along the
Blue Ridge parkway and the Appalachian Trail. ,
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In 2010, Roanoke County has established sound growth
management policies that preserve the region's scenic assets
and natural resources while allowing residential development
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that includes open spaces, parks, cluster development and
rural villages.
In 2010, Roanoke County continues to recognize the economic
and scenic value of its farm lands and has actively
participated in promoting the economic viability of the
rural lifestyle.
In 2010, Roanoke county citizens exhibit a strong public and
private sector commitment to the preservation of Roanoke
County's distinctive cultural heritage its historic
buildings and landscapes, archaeological sites and folk
traditions. Recognizing that the architectural and
archaeological records of this valley lend character and
identity to our area, historic preservation has become an
important tool for economic development. Through efforts to
identify heritage resources, through cultural heritage
education in the public schools and through cooperative
efforts with other groups the County has, over the last lS
years, set the standard for a sound preservation ethic.
In 2010, Roanoke County has implemented the "Recommendations I
for Planning" produced as a result of the architectural'
survey of 1991-1992. The County has also initiated a
similar archaeological suryey.
In 2010, Roanoke county community libraries have established
local archives which house video and audio tape oral
histories, copies of family trees, diaries, and pertinent
newspaper articles and books that document each community's
unique history.
In 2010, Roanoke County has mountain festivals, jamborees,
fiddler conventions, story telling festivals, and pow-wows
that are used to preserve interest in, and knowledge of,
local folk traditions.
h Housing
Rick Whitney made the presentation and offered the
following vision statement:
In 2010, Roanoke County has developed incentives and a
sliding scale of fees to encourage affordable housing.
Housing costs have been addressed by controlling utility
connection fees, erosion control requirements and waste I
disposal options.
In 2010, Roanoke county has a diverse housing stock meeting
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the demands of current and future residents. Dwellings are
available in a range of prices, styles and designs to
accommodate students, single persons, the elderly and
families. Alternatives to single family ownership are being
met by an adequate supply of apartments, duplexes, attached
housing, senior services and nursing homes for rent.
In 2010, Roanoke county has managed a healthy economic
growth while protecting and maintaining its natural
resources. Through careful planning and orderly
development, our natural resources have been protected to
ensure the quality of life for future generations. open
spaces and greenways have been provided through the use of
cluster development and innovative site design concepts.
In 2010, Roanoke County has taken a leadership role in
valleywide cooperative efforts to hold the c::ost of public
services to a relatively low level. Services have been
extended, in a planned and orderly manner, to meet housing
demands.
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~ TransÞortation
Alan Gleiner made the presentation and offered the
following vision statement:
In 2010, Roanoke County roads are well maintained. New
roads are initiated and planned in cooperation with VDOT and
with a high level of citizen participation. Transportation
planning is carried out in conjunction with the county
comprehensive Plan. New roads are designed to accommodate
large vehicles and incorporate new technology wherever
possible. The design and construction of new roads is
accomplished in an environmentally sensitive manner,
protecting natural resources and minimizing various forms of
pollution.
In 2010, Roanoke county, Roanoke City and Salem city have
encouraged the growth of public transit throughout the
Roanoke Valley. An active and successful public relations
campaign has resulted in increased ridership. Public
transit is now a vital link in thè Valley's mUlti-modal
transportation network.
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In 2010, Roanoke County has incorporated the efficient
movement of freight into the overall transportation system
design. The new Inland Port has given southwest Virginia's
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August 15, 1995
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industries a promising global connection.
In 2010, Roanoke county has incorporated the use of bicycle
trails, pedestrian walkways and greenways into the
transportation network.
In 2010, Roanoke county has embarked on a multi-purpose
light rail proj ect. This proj ect serves as a valuable
transportation and recreational facility for residents and
visitors alike.
~ Growth Manaqement and Planninq
John Stokes made" the presentation and offered the
following vision statement:
In 2010, Roanoke County growth management provides for
greenways and open space as an integral part of communities
and individual lifestyles.
In 2010,
strategies
management.
Roanoke County
to provide for
has addressed
sustainability
the impacts of
within growth
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In 2010, Roanoke County communities have small commercial
nodes and business opportunities that serve local areas.
This strategy has encouraged and enabled citizens to use
alternative forms of transportation such as pedestrian
corridors, bicycle paths and public transit.
In 2010, Roanoke County allows flexibility, within a
consistent framework of sustainable development, to
encourage community redevelopment, commercial development,
infill development and industrial revitalization while
preserving neighborhood stability and property values. This
planning process is successful due to extensive community
and private sector involvement.
In 2010, Roanoke County transportation planning is an
integral part of growth management strategies. Following
through with a trend begun in 1995, Roanoke county citizens
have continued to be pro-active participants in the
transportation planning process.
In 2010, Roanoke County growth management strategies and
sustainability are guided and measured by a system of I
benchmarks established with citizen input. This results in
a highly involved citizenry who are knowledgeable in
planning principals, proactively participate in the planning
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process, and believe they can influence the process.
~ Aqriculture and Forestrv
Winton Shelor made the presentation and offered the
following vision statement:
In 2010, Roanoke county has taken action to identify and
establish distinct rural areas worthy of preservation that
will balance the rights of property owners while protecting
the productive value of rural lands.
In 2010, Roanoke County has implemented pOlicies to tax
rural land on its specific value for agriculture and/or
forestry production.
In 2010, Roanoke County has taken action to reinforce the
"right to farm" and there exists a high level of mutual
respect between farmers, non-farm owners and rural visitors
of individual property rights, responsibilities and privacy.
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In 2010, Roanoke county has established markets for small
scale farm and forestry products that support and sustain a
viable rural land-based economy and robust farmers' markets
in the Valley.
In 2010, Roanoke county continue~ to value, protect and
preserve the scenic vistas, water resources and other
important natural and cultural resources of the rural areas.
There continues to be strong recognition that these
resources are critical components of the quality of life of
the region.
In 2010, Roanoke county has established and has been
operating a level of public services, particularly fire and
rescue, to the rural areas that is appropriate and
consistent with the needs of an aging rural population.
In 2010, Roanoke county has established mechanisms so that
rural residents are directly represented, consulted, advised
and involved in their local government.
~ Economic DeveloÐment and Tourism
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Frank Caldwell made the presentation and offered the
following vision statement:
In 2010, Roanoke county has played a major role in
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developing the Roanoke Valley into a center of industrial
and commercial technology by adequately funding the
Industrial Development Authority, enabling them to acquire
property and providing the infrastructure to encourage
economic growth.
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In 2010, Roanoke County and the surrounding areas have
become a natural playground for visitors and residents. The
local governments have provided the necessary infrastructure
to permit full usage and enjoyment of our scenic resources _
both private and public such as a regional greenway
system, pedestrian friendly roads, campgrounds and
recreational vehicle parking areas. strong incentives have
been put into place to encourage developers to include
dedica ted lands and connected greenways in all new
development projects.
In 2010, Roanoke county has taken the lead to preserve our
most valuable natural asset, the scenic environment and
natural ridge lines of the mountains surrounding the Roanoke
Valley.
Rupert Cutler made the presentation and offered the
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~ Recreation and Culture
following vision statement:
In 2010, Roanoke county - through unique initiatives and as
a result of reciprocal arrangements and partnership efforts
with neighboring local governments and private entities- is
nationally known as a preeminent East Coast recreational and
cultural center and is the major recreational and cultural
center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Awareness of the county's
unique and high quality recreational and cultural programs
is reflected in large audiences, a high level of individual
participation and volunteer activity, broad-based financial
support, a healthy citizenry and increased tourism.
~ Technoloqy and Communications
Tom Wilson
made the presentation and offered the
following vision statement:
In 2010, Roanoke County provides its citizens opportunities
to interface with each other, the capability to access local I
and global community services through the latest
communications technologies and encourages - through both
public and private means the use of the latest
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technolog1es to enhance the quality of life in the Roanoke
Valley.
In 2010, Roanoke County encourages technological
improvements I innovations in manufacturing, power
transmission, communications, commerce and transportation to
preserve and enhance the natural resources of the Roanoke
Valley. Roanoke County facilitates a managed technological
environment that balances education, productivity, social
skills, health and the ecosystem.
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In 2010, Roanoke affords its citizens opportunities
through technical schools, extension programs, and a four-
year school of higher learning - to obtain the technological
skills required to work and function in a rapidly changing
world.
10. PUblic Education
Evelyn Ball made the presentation and offered the
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fOllowing mission statement:
In 2010, Roanoke County provides access to world class
educational services to all citizens. The educational focus
is to prepare learners for the work place and to develop in
them characteristics of responsible, productive members of
society for whom learning is.
IN RE:
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION
The members of the Board of Supervisors thanked the
staff and the citizens who were involved in the process.
Supervisor Eddy asked when strategies would be developed to meet
the vision by 2010. Dr. Sears responded that some of the focus
groups
discussed
strategies
and
one
presented
specific
strategies, but the strategies will be determined as part of the
Comprehensive Plan.
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Supervisor Eddy advised that citizens on Bent Mountain are
in the process of developing their own vision and asked if it
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could be included in the County's vision process.
Dr. Sears
advised that if specific communities wanted to develop their own
vision, they will be included as an appendix in the final report.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Johnson moved to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. The
motion carried by a unanimous recorded vote. Planning commission
Chairman Kyle Robinson declared the Planning Commission meeting
adjourned at the same time.
Submitted by:
Approved by:
YY2~fl,~
Mary H. Allen, CMC
Clerk to the Board
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